Phillips, who just concluded his second year as an assistant to Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer, was the Buffalo Bills' coach from 1998-2000. He also was Denver's coach from 1993-94 and twice has served as an interim head coach, in New Orleans and Atlanta.

Phillips is one of several candidates expected to be interviewed by Packers general manager Ted Thompson, who fired coach Mike Sherman on Monday.

Sherman said Wednesday he wasn't given a reason why he was fired a day after the Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks to finish the season 4-12, their worst record in 15 years.

"I think Ted just felt there was a need at this time to make a change," Sherman said.

Sherman, who signed a two-year contract extension in August, was stripped of general manager duties a year ago and replaced by Thompson.

"Sometimes you just need your own guy. Maybe that's the situation that happened here," Sherman said.

Sherman said he had no regrets: "I gave this job everything I had. I am proud of what we accomplished during that time."

In addition to Phillips, Thompson said Monday he will speak to current Packers defensive coordinator Jim Bates about the job.

The Dallas Morning News reported that the Packers and New Orleans Saints were granted permission to interview Cowboys offensive coordinator Sean Payton.

Gary O'Hagan, agent for former Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci, said the Packers had not contacted Steve Mariucci as of Tuesday evening. Mariucci was the Packers' quarterbacks coach under Mike Holmgren and was fired during the season as Detroit's coach.